Check out the beautifully crafted cowboy boot came all the way from Wyoming and was brought to our community by Dr. Billy and Pat Bergin, longtime residents of Kamuela. The boot helps celebrate the “Year of the Paniolo”. The boot is located in the Waimea Center between KTA and McDonalds. This is just one representation of our paniolo roots from Waimea and the work that Paniolo Preservation Society does!
2008 marked the 100th year since Ikua Purdy, along with two others, went to Wyoming and competed in the American Steer Roping Championship where Ikua won, and helped put Hawaiian Cowboys on the map! This year there have been ongoing celebrations including several of our local residents traveling to Waiomina (Wyoming in Hawaiian) to celebrate Cheyenne Frontier Days where they had opportunity to share our own traditions, including music, saddle making, hula, lauhala weaving, and much more. The boot was made by cowboy artist from Wyoming, Ross Lampshire, and it will stand in it’s proud position in the community, while we all honor and welcome the continued traditions of our island. Find out more about supporting Hawaii’s cowboys by visiting